Cosplayers and fans alike are able to get the most out of their cosplay experience by attending Q&A panels. These panels offer a variety of insights and tips from experienced cosplayers on topics such as where to find good deals on materials, how to make and wear prop armor, and what goes into creating a successful cosplay.
Panels can also provide helpful advice on things like photography, makeup, and styling your hair for your next convention.
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How to Run a Cosplay Q&A Panel
People enjoy panels because they are interesting, and it makes them feel like they are in an intimate setting that is just for them. You can have your own personal, interactive show that will also answer questions the audience may have in mind.
Here are some key points to remember when speaking at a panel:
- Introduce yourself and what you do.
- Tell the audience why you enjoy it/what drew you into it.
- Talk about your experiences. Mentions are great! Share stories with the audience that they can relate to with similar interests or experiences.
- Keep your content PG-13. People of all ages attend these panels, and it is important to keep your panel family-friendly, especially if you have a younger audience with parents who are bringing them there.
- Q&A is key. This is the most exciting part about the panel because you get to interact with people from the very beginning or who have been there the whole time. This is also a great way to get people involved and feel like they are actively listening and interested in what you have to say.
What to Do When Someone is Disrupting Your Panel
Panels can be very fun, but how fun would it be if someone kept interrupting you every 5 seconds? It is not fun.
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If there is a problem with the panel, it is best to talk to the person outside of the panel or wait until someone from your team can handle it for you. Here are some things to do if a situation arises:
- If a guest/friend/family member of yours gets out of control, politely ask them to sit down and give the panel their full attention instead. If they keep talking or interrupting, remind them that it is not polite, and they need to wait until you are done with your question/statement before speaking again.
- If someone is having a loud conversation where only you can hear them (like in front of you), politely ask them to keep the conversation down. If they do not, remind them that others are trying to enjoy the panel too, and it would be nice if everyone could hear what is being said.
- If you notice someone filming your panel illegally (like without your consent) or without headphones because they are trying to record your panel, you can tell them (and any others who try) that you do not take kindly to this, and it will be reported. After reporting, simply continue with your panel as nothing happened.
How to Be a Good Host or Hostess for a Cosplay Q&A Panel
It is important to make sure you are comfortable with your costume because this is what will make or break the panel. Here are some tips to keep in mind no matter who is hosting it:
- Make sure you have a microphone of some sort. If it’s not built into the podium, make sure to get one for yourself.
- Speak loudly and clearly. Sometimes in bigger panels, people tend to talk softly into the microphone that they forget people want to hear them loud and clear.
- Make sure that you are attentive during your panel.
- It is important to be interactive with the audience, even if it means taking time out of your Q&A session. You will earn their respect, and they will have more fun listening to you.
Tips for Attendees of Cosplay Q&A Panels
These panels are great, but there is a right and wrong way to go about it:
Make sure that when you walk in the panel, either sit in the front/back rows or stand in the side. Do not sit in the middle rows because if your cosplay is big, you may be blocking someone’s view or standing up to take pictures of you.
Always bring a camera. These panels are a great opportunity for pictures and autographs from some of your favorite people in the community, so there is no harm in asking for one. Make sure that you respect those who are in your photo and ask them politely before taking a picture.
It is important to be open and polite during the panel. It can sometimes be intimidating with other people surrounding you, but make sure to introduce yourself if it is your first time attending or walking by.
Do not interrupt anyone who is asking questions or talking! Let the person finish, and then you can go ahead.
If there are any problems, talk to a staff member (if one is present) regarding your issue instead of getting mad at the cosplayers/staff members themselves. It hurts their feelings, and they do not do anything wrong.
If you are feeling ill, ask to go to the bathroom/outside/leave early because it is better than holding up the panel/having an anxiety attack in front of hundreds of people. You can always come back later or get things signed by them later.
Do not forget to thank the cosplayers/guests, etc., for coming out and participating in the panel.
Make sure that if you have any questions or comments, you write them down beforehand so that they can be answered during the time given. Most importantly, make sure to respect the host/hostess of the panel. They are volunteering their time to help improve the con experience for everyone.
In Conclusion
The cosplay Q&A panels can be a fun and exciting opportunity to learn more about your favorite cosplayers, but there is also etiquette involved.
These tips should help you get started on the right foot – make sure that when attending, always remember to respect those who are hosting or answering questions at their own expense of time and energy.
On a different note, if you need cosplayers to collaborate with for cosplay shootings or events, you can contact SnowDragon via Instagram.